I was drawn to this book initially because of the variety of different needlework styles it covers, some of which I haven't tried. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, especially as they include photographs as well as illustrations. Special tips have been added to each section and samplers and templates have been added throughout. I also loved the addition of a brief history of each style of stitching. After reading this book I feel confident in trying new techniques and I would thoroughly recommend this book to both beginners and more experienced stitchers. This book is a delight to own.
-- Faye Mulhern * Customer Review *
I am quite a novice with hand embroidery, but this book has it all. Everything you need to know from a beginner to more advanced. It gives you easy steps to get started on your journey. The different areas of embroidery give you materials needed , threads, different needles (didn't know there were so many), other equipment. For the different stitches it gives you pictures alongside written instructions, also tips and tricks to help you on your journey. I will certainly be trying out new stitches.
-- Bev Hackleton * Customer Review *
Received this wonderful book. I could not put it down. I'm new to embroidery, this book shows you all different stitches etc. The pages full of handy tips which I like. I love the flowers which look so real. I can not wait to try some of these beautiful projects. A well written book for all stages of embroidery.
-- Carol Wilson * Customer Review *
When I received this book I was amazed by the thickness of it, 272 pages. I soon learned why it needed so many pages as it covers an astonishing amount of techniques. Each stitch is shown in clear detail. At first I thought the sub headings might be to much for a beginner, but as I read through a few sections I was encouraged to see this would not be the case. Crewel, Silk shading, Gold work, just a few of the techniques. It begins with a brief history, as all good books should in my opinion. As well as the materials and techniques for transfering designs. I cant wait to do the stumpwork as it includes a piece on needlelace, which is new to me. It covers in detail all the techniques a beginner and more advanced needs. I don't hesitate in recommending this book from the Search Press range.
-- Kathy Campbell * Customer Review *
This lovely new book from Search Press is actually a re-working of individual books previously published and contains chapters on silk shading, crewel embroidery, Mountmellick, stump work, Hardanger, blackwork, drawn thread embroidery and goldwork. If you would like to acquaint yourself with these techniques, you will find much to keep you interested. There are very good photographs and instructions with projects, and I suspect even more accomplished needle-workers will find something of interest. It would be a good value book for inclusion in the libraries of sewing groups especially, as it encompasses a wide range of traditional techniques. There is some repetition on materials, inevitably, but all things considered, I would recommend this as a good introduction for those who have taken up stitching lately and want to challenge and hopefully surprise themselves with the results they achieve.
-- Helen Raynes * Customer Review *
Suitable for stitchers of all abilities this book aims to be a definitive guide to stitching and embroidery. Use the step-by-step guides to get to grips with drawn thread embroidery, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel embroidery, Mountmellick, blackwork and more. Each section has been put together by experts and features the technique's history, materials and equipment needed and the most popular stitches used.
* Cross Stitcher *
Absolutely love this book from wonderful step-by-step instructions to beautiful photographs. The book starts with a lovely introduction and a brief history. A section on where to stitch and what to stitch, designing, framing, preparing fabric etc and about mounting your work. Section on materials too. The book is well laid out with each stitch well laid out and beautifully photographed. The projects are amazing and beautiful and some techniques I've never seen before. Each project gives you a recipe of what you will need there are some beautiful patterns to try. You would not be disappointed if you buy this book whether you are a beginner or competent sewer.
-- Sue Prince * Amazon *
Firstly, I was surprised at the size and weight of this book, but so much is covered. There are techniques in the book that I had not heard of before, Mountmellick for one, but I will definitely be trying it. Mainly, I wanted to improve my Blackwork and Goldwork, but I can see myself getting waylaid with a bit of Stumpwork. The diagrams and photographs in this book are very detailed and each section has so much information and advice to guide you to better stitching. All in all a 'must have' techniques book. I don't think you will be disappointed!
-- Lisa Hemstock * Customer Review *
